Carson Steele's Impactful Touchdown at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Carson Steele's Dramatic Entrance into the NFL

The Kansas City Chiefs’ only first-half scoring drive in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Chicago Bears was just another Carson Steele showcase. Steele, the undrafted rookie from UCLA with a legendary football name and a pet alligator back home in Indiana, bulldozed his way 18 yards on the first snap and then sprinted 32 yards for a touchdown on the second snap. “It’s a blessing,” Steele said of scoring a touchdown for the Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. “That’s the first word that comes to mind, especially hearing the screams and stuff like that. Even though it wasn’t fully packed out, it was just awesome.”

Touchdown Drama: Review and Rebound

However, the joy didn’t last long. Steele’s touchdown was reviewed and overturned; he was pushed out of bounds inside the 1-yard line. “I was hurting for a second,” Steele said. “It was tough.” Nonetheless, he remained resolute. “I was breathing hard, but I knew being on the goal line it’s my go-to,” Steele reflected. Coming out of the replay review, the ball went to Steele one more time, and he scored from a yard out, accounting for all 50 yards on the three-play touchdown drive.

Making a Case for Roster Spot

• Steele finished the preseason with 11 carries for 87 yards.
• He also highlighted his versatility as a kickoff returner with a 29-yard return.
• Defensively, he recorded a tackle on the opening kickoff, showcasing his all-around talent.

“It was awesome,” Steele exclaimed. “I didn’t want to tell the coaches, but that’s my first tackle since freshman year of high school or middle school. But it was really amazing and a great opportunity.” Before training camp, Steele was far from a lock to make the team, but he progressed day after day. “Undrafted guy coming into a two-time champ team, you really don’t know what to think,” said Steele. Now, he feels confident about his position on Kansas City’s opening day roster.

“I really do hope I showed them what I can do,” Steele remarked. He’s traveled a long road from having a breakout season at Ball State to proving himself on a larger stage.

And let’s not forget about his pet. Steele is hopeful that he can find a place in Kansas City where he can keep “Crocky J,” his beloved alligator. “Hopefully, Kansas lets me have him out,” Steele noted. “That’s been a goal of mine.”